Take 2: Could Cubs' Rosemont move work?

March 24, 2013

On Monday, CSN's David Kaplan reported that Rosemont's mayor was pitching offering land for the Cubs to move there, on a 25-acre lot not far from O'Hare Airport. Sports editor Jon Styf and columnist Tom Musick discuss:

Styf: In a completely selfish way, I'm all for the Cubs moving closer. If I could talk them into moving into the empty space across Route 31 from our office, I'd be even happier. The trees over there wouldn't be happy, but I would. That being said, the concept feels both fun and ridiculous at the same time. It's outside the box enough that I like it. But, the reality is, the Cubs are Wrigley Field and Wrigley Field is the Cubs. Just don't see them realistically moving, ever.

Musick: That's a good call about building a stadium across from our office, but what if the Cubs set up shop at Vulcan Lakes? Home runs could splash down into the water. Or what if Theo Epstein & Co. crammed a Wrigley Field replica in the middle of the Woodstock Square? OK, maybe these are foolish ideas, but Crystal Lake and Woodstock have the exact same chance as Rosemont when it comes to landing the Cubs. Zero.

Styf: But, history and all, they can't stay where they are with no changes. Eventually Wrigley Field is just going to implode, right? Somewhere there has to be a breaking point on people showing up there. There is no light at the end of the tunnel talent-wise. It's hard to imagine they'll be able to remain competitive monetarily with the current setup.

Musick: Yes, I agree with you. Wrigley Field is a dump. It's a national shrine and it's my favorite place in the world to watch a baseball game, but it's still a dump. The problem is that the Cubs' ownership wants a big public handout to pay for much of the renovation, and they're desperate to create leverage that doesn't exist. Thus, the goofy Rosemont rumor.

Styf: We saw how well public handouts worked in Miami. The only way that would work is if the Cubs then vowed to use all the proceeds to feed Squeezy the Pension Python. Or at least they donated a set amount per win to the .... wait, are they even trying to win? How about they actually put some of that Edwin Jackson money to good use. His $52 million contract could have put a dent in that $300 million renovation.

Musick: Are you suggesting that a journeyman pitcher with a 70-71 career record and a 4.40 ERA is not worth $52 million?

Styf: If only they could get rid of the rest of that Soriano contract too, then they'd be in business.

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